Security issues move Champions Trophy out of Pak

8220;It was an extremely hard decision and one that we took with many regrets for the Pakistan hockey community. During the last few months we tried everything we could to keep the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

8220;This was unfortunately impossible due to circumstances not related to hockey or sport and completely beyond the control of the FIH and the Pakistan Hockey Federation,8221; Vriesman said in a statement.

However, the FIH has not yet decided on the new venue for the event. The world body had invited bids from India and Malaysia for this and is likely to take a decision in a few days, as it does not want to change the dates of the competition.

Two of the qualified teams, Australia and Spain, withdrew from the event, scheduled to take place in Lahore from December 1 to 9, and Germany, Korea and the Netherlands were unable to confirm their entry. Furthermore, the FIH Athletes Commission was informed by a number of athletes that they could not play in the tournament.

Reserve countries England and Japan also declined the invitation. With six of the best eight hockey teams not participating in the Champions Trophy, one of the most important hockey tournaments in the world, the FIH had no option but to move the event.

The decision was based on the concern about the safety and security of the participating teams and the negative travel advice received from the foreign affairs departments of many of the prospective participants, the statement added.